Education board backs Perry’s rejection of federal funds

The State Board of Education went on record this morning supporting Gov. Rick Perry’s decision to turn down hundreds of millions of dollars in federal education funds.

Funding to create national tests aligned to national curriculum standards “ignores the clear intention of Congress not to establish a national curriculum and national tests” the board said in its resolution.

“Public education is a state and local responsibility, and decisions regarding what Texas children should learn and how Texas children should be tested are best made in Texas by Texans through an open and public process,” the board said in its resolution.

The board vote was unanimous, although some Democratic members left the room before the vote. Republicans control the State Board of Education, 10-5